9 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Young State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its 560-acre property on Lake Charlevoix, just three miles from Boyne City. Dogs must remain leashed in all camping areas, including the Oak, Spruce, and Terrace loops. Whiting Park Campground also permits pets with similar leash requirements and provides convenient access to Lake Charlevoix. Both campgrounds feature designated pet walking areas away from swimming beaches where dogs are prohibited. The campground roads provide good walking routes for exercising dogs. Sites at Young State Park include fire pits, picnic tables, and electrical hookups, with water spigots scattered throughout the camping loops. The park's pet policies are strictly enforced, especially during busy summer weekends when the campground reaches full capacity.
Hiking trails throughout Young State Park offer excellent opportunities for dog walking, though some trails become overgrown during summer months. Nearby Avalanche Park in Boyne City provides additional pet-friendly hiking options with stairs leading to panoramic lake views. Boyne City features an off-leash dog park for pets needing more exercise space than campgrounds provide. When planning camping trips with pets, visitors should note that summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels for dogs left at campsites. The nearby towns of Charlevoix, East Jordan, and Petoskey offer veterinary services and pet supply stores within a 20-minute drive. Petoskey State Park and Fisherman's Island State Park also allow pets in designated camping areas but enforce strict on-leash policies throughout their grounds. During peak season, early reservations are essential as pet-friendly sites fill quickly.
"Some of the spots are a little close, but the park makes up for it with it’s amazing beach and proximity to Boyne City."
"Some sites were not in use because of high lake levels and park water problems. Leaking pipe? The small dune area leading up to Lake Charlevoix makes you feel like you are at Lake Michigan."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $80 / night
"Driving in to the campground, wear your blinders as there's a concrete plant right next door. I camped this past week and there were signs the park hadn't been used by many at all just yet."
"Our family really enjoyed the scenery and the proximity to Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Unfortunately we just couldn’t quite handle the level of mosquitos there."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
"The beach was convenient to walk to and we enjoyed the 3 amazing fire work shows you can see on the 4th of July from the beach."
"We were here two days and fell in love with the town, the surrounding area, and never got tired of beautiful views of Lake Michigan. "
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $80 / night
"The park is run by the City of Petoskey and sits on 21 acres in downtown Petoskey overlooking Lake Michigan. "
"The location makes this campground. Stayed 6 nights as it was so relaxing."
"There is an off-leash dog park but it was pretty small for our lab to get a good run in. The laundry was nice and clean but a bit expensive $2.25 per load. "
"Lake Michigan beach is about a 5 minutes drive."
"Some of them are so close to Lake Michigan, you can just walk on a path through some trees right up to the water! There are restrooms here, and a general store nearby."
"Beautiful park on the shore of Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a **distance. **"
"It is close to everything. And it's close to Charlevoix, Traverse City, Torch Lake. We camp here every year and go visit all of these places while we stay at East Jordan tourist Park."
"Right of charlevoix lake with a nice beach. Our site was level.Very clean and well kept campground. 20 minute walk to downtown East Jordan. Lots are small"
"My all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water."
"Our campsite was feet away from Lake Michigan- practically on the shoreline! Going to bed and waking up to the lapping of the waves is something you can’t miss here."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $80 / night
"I stayed in the corner lot next to the playground. I spent a lot of time off the campsite during the day but at night the view was great. There was more than enough room for my tent."
from $30 - $35 / night
"Very dog friendly."
"He told us everything is closed but to call in the am and he’ll move some things around and get us in."
ScoutNice little spot. There are lots of places to camp around each of the lakes. There is a bathroom near the first lake. Have to park in the parking lot and walk down. The first spot is about 0.5 mile down the path. Very secluded
ScoutGreat campsite. Nice spot with solid fire ring. There was also connection so we could watch football
TravelerCamped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
RangerThe campground is laid out well although to tightly spaced for my taste.
TravelerBeautiful location for dispersed camping right on the Castle Rock Ponds. Surrounded by lush trees and clean stocked ponds. Once you get onto the main road going in and out of the area it’s pretty straightforward - there are multiple sites where you can pull over and there’s a sort of peninsula that juts out where most people set up camp. Generally on the peninsula there’s about 4-5 spots unless you squeeze in but more can be accessed around the ponds. Expect people to be there if it’s the weekend.
ScoutBeautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
GuideI was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
ScoutWe went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
GuideBumpy road but our 20 ft trailer made it ok. Some previous campers left trash but that is normal for dispersed camping as many campers don’t respect the land. Ponds were clear water. Some OHVs near by during the day enjoying the trails but very quiet at night. Other campers around at other spots. Overall we would come back
Lake Charlevoix offers 17,260 acres of clear water along northern Michigan's glacial terrain with depths reaching 122 feet in some areas. Camping options near Boyne City provide access to this inland lake connected to Lake Michigan through a channel at Charlevoix. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during day and can drop to 50-55°F at night.
Trail exploration at Fisherman's Island State Park: Six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline perfect for searching Petoskey stones. "One of the most popular activities in the park is searching for Petoskey stones known for their beautiful honey-comb like pattern. These are actually not stones but pieces of coral that existed in warmer waters that covered the land hundreds of millions of years ago," notes Nancy W. from Fisherman's Island State Park Campground.
Biking on Little Traverse Wheelway: This 23.5-mile paved trail connects Harbor Springs to Charlevoix. "A short walk across the Little Traverse Wheelway bike trail that stretches 23.5 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix, put you on a small sandy beach begging you to find a few of the elusive Petoskey stones," according to Patrick S. from Magnus Park Campground.
Boating on Lake Charlevoix: Multiple boat launches provide access to the lake. "Park covers 560 acres which encompasses a campground, hiking trails, a large beach area with concessions, boat launch (located in the Terrace Campground loop), picnic area, playground, baseball diamond, basketball courts, and fishing pier," explains Nancy W. about Young State Park Campground.
Proximity to local towns: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to area communities. "The park is located just south of the town of Charlevoix. This is a charming coastal town with a beautiful harbor set on Lake Charlevoix with a picturesque lighthouse," writes Nancy W. about Fisherman's Island State Park Campground.
Lake Michigan beaches: Several campgrounds offer Great Lakes shoreline access. "Huge park with three sections. Terrace is the best but hard to get. Lake side sites. Nice facilities and camp store. Lake Charlevoix sunsets rival the Caribbean. Breathtaking," explains Tracie S. from Young State Park.
Petoskey stone hunting: This unique fossil activity draws many visitors. "The beach is really nice and looks like the ocean. The water is very clear and has lots of small colorful pebbles and Petoskey rocks. We enjoyed walking up and down the beach looking for these fossils," reports John K. from Petoskey State Park Campground.
Campground layouts vary significantly: Some parks have multiple loops with different characteristics. "There are three camping loops – Terrace, Spruce, and Oak. Campsites in the Spruce loop don't have a designated 'pad' so you can arrange your RV or tent any way you like," explains Nancy W. about Young State Park.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate May through October. "Fall camped here. First time and it lived up to all the good reviews! Absolutely beautiful fall colors throughout the campground," shares Kathie M. about Fisherman's Island State Park Campground.
Site conditions: Ground conditions can affect camping comfort. "Sites are level, paved and had a paved patio and was full hook-up with cable and WiFi (which worked well at our site)," notes Nancy W. about Petoskey KOA.
Waterfront activities: Look for sites with beach access. "Barnes County Park Campground right on Lake Michigan. Great for kids, as a sand bar goes out quite a distance. Ring road through the park is quiet enough to bike around, and there are many hiking paths to choose from," advises Rachel M. from Barnes County Park Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "Very friendly staff and clean park. Family friendly and pet friendly, beach was close by and clean," reports Jodi L. about Young State Park.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer organized activities. "Camp ranger, crafts, and beach area for the kids. Very clean," mentions Jami M. about Young State Park.
Site selection matters: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout. "Young State Park has a typical rustic campground feel... The advantage of making reservations online is that you get a really good description of the site which includes length, width, hook-ups, amount of shade, length of site, distance to restrooms, and best of all - pictures," explains Nancy W.
Seasonal timing: Off-season visits may provide better experience. "We were here for the halloween weekend. They did a great job with the trick or treating by shutting down all vehicle traffic and by having a site decorating contest," notes Craig F. from Petoskey KOA.
Navigating campground roads: Road conditions can be challenging for larger rigs. "The cons are that the roads in the campground are pretty narrow and when someone was backing into their site it caused a traffic jam," warns Nancy W. about Young State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Boyne City, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Boyne City, MI is Young State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 145 dog-friendly camping locations near Boyne City, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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